AS AN amateur detective, I'm deeply intrigued by the extraordinary tale of the darning needle that passed through Derek Thompson's foot, and of the dedication to duty (as well as to the fee involved) that persuaded him to drive across country for a commentating gig at Sedgefield with the offending item still unwithdrawn.

It has also emerged that gardai will not be asking for an exhumation order for the body of the 1973 tot "Noeleen" who Niamh claims was her daughter - allegedly killed by her mother using a darning needle.

Other items include a darning needle from the girls' workroom and a blazer button, bearing the inscription "Turner's Hospital", dropped from a resident's jacket during the time when the trustees provided free outer clothing for the almspeople and schoolchildren.

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